JVP demands short date to hold elections giving a plethora of reasons

By Saman Indrajith

The JVP says that the Election Commission should announce an early date for the local council polls.

JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva addressing a press conference at the party headquarters in Pelawatte said: “There is a serious doubt in the minds of people with regard to the conduct of the elections commission. The commission is said to be independent and free from the influence of the administrative actions of the executive. Another suspicion is whether the commission had so far acted in a manner to facilitate the government and the president’s wish to delay the polls. Now the time has come for the elections commission to prove where it stands – whether it stands with the people or with the few who are wielding power. This is the best chance for the commission to prove its independence and that could be done by announcing the nearest day for the conducting local government polls.”

The election commission should realise that the delay of every single day to hold the polls will pave the way for more complexities and difficulties. “The commission should not forget that this election is the first ever election to be held after passing of the Regulation of Election Expenditure Bill in January this year. As per the provisions of the new law, a candidate is allowed to spend only 20 rupees per voter. The delays would make it difficult for candidates to limit themselves within this stipulation.

“The commission should also keep in mind that many teachers and public servants have submitted nominations to contest in this election. As per the election laws, they need to obtain no-pay leave from their workplaces to contest elections. These candidates are now on no-pay leave and they cannot continue till the cows come home without salaries. They have already spent their savings and the commission should understand their plight.

“The terms of local government bodies are scheduled to lapse on March 20. It cannot be further extended. There are no public representatives in the local government bodies after March 20. We already do not have provincial councils. If the elections commission further delays elections then parliament would become the only place with representatives of people. That will certainly create many unforeseen consequences, placing the lives of people who are already suffering under the economic crisis in further jeopardy,” Silva said.

NPP General Secretary Dr Nihal Abeysinghe also addressed the press.